How Wide is the Top of the Pyramid?

On almost a daily basis I have at least one discussion about what life would be like if I were a lead pastor of a church.  Sometimes it takes the form of church planting, other times taking over for a church soon, and the most comfortable discussions for me...the hypothetical, long-time out idealism kinds of conversations.

It's interesting to me though as I reflect on those things away from conversation, away from the opinions of whoever has asked me the question, away from the perceptions of a mutual experience to be critiqued, that I find myself weighing the gifts necessary through many different lenses.  The most common of these, church size.

Assuming that the lead pastor is near the top of the hiearchy/pyramid of the organization, I wonder how wide that particular "top" starts.  Is it the tiniest of points, asking for precision from its lead pastor (like often found in many churches that get large enough that they share the point between "executive" and "teaching" pastor) who get to then function in one or two primary areas of gifting.  Or is it like a food pyramid, with a rather large base to even the top section, requiring gifting and leadership in multiple areas of ministry and staff development.

It causes me to wonder often, which gifts should I be spending the most time developing.  I've got a lot to learn across the board, believe I will have the need for learning forever, and as such, my resources are limited.  Time only allows so much development. 

Do I take the model that says focus on what you do best and become a "professional" in that area, or the other common sense argument which seeks well-roundedness.  It seems in many ways, the ability to function well in either of those things may be dictated in the future primarily by the size of the church.

Is it conceded then to try to develop yourself as if you will be at a large and empowering place...or limiting to decide now to focus on improving secondary gifts, or even weaknesses?

No real crisis here...though to this point, I think I've been reading my future in one light, and started to wonder if that is determined to be self-fulfilling, or if I should evaluate a different model of self/life/gift development within myself as well.

Thoughts always welcome.

Annual Tradition

Today we made our second annual trip for what must now be considered a Memorial Day tradition.

We headed out to the Outlet Mall in Albertville for some updating of our wardrobes.

I found a bunch of stuff I liked, and purchased 4 of those items (all from my favorite store there) and Jenny found some things for her as well.

We even got a gift for our nephew's upcoming birthday crossed off the to-do list.

Not too bad of a tradition I guess.

Under the Weather

Jenny was feeling under the weather today which meant we got to have fun "sick people" meals.

That meant Panera soups for lunch, and what has become a comical favorite of mine for our sick person dinner.

We added the chicken this time, but the KFC Cole Slaw and Biscuits have become a staple of sick person food for us, sometimes leaving our order at just that.  Today it included the chicken, and some Raspberry Lemonade (the "Simply" version) from the grocery store.

Hope she feels better in the morning.

Video Equipment

I am anticipating wanting to make some live action videos for an upcoming sermon series.

Does anyone have high end video cameras, mics for them, or video lighting that they are willing to use alongside me, or let me borrow to get some video stuff shot?

If not, does anyone even know what kind of stuff I should be looking for that can be taken to locations as opposed to just setting up as a studio?

Process = Results

Often I believe that people are finding the exact results they should expect.

Many leadership and church organization books talk about how the results you are getting are a result of what you've chosen to do.  Wanting different results requires you to change some things.  While that isn't always statistically relevant advice, I have found it to generally be wise advice.

Unfortunately, this leaves me finding myself in many meetings wondering why someone would be upset that their goal for the meeting isn't being accomplished.

For example:  if someone calls a meeting, invites a substantial number of people, the same ones that were at the last 3 or 4 meetings, and then complains or wonders...why aren't decisions getting made quickly, this group seems to be dragging its feet just like in the last 4 meetings.

Lead the same way, by the same person, with the same agenda, getting the exact same discussion, they are surprised that somehow their goals don't magically get met.  I want to just tell them...these are the exact results you should be expecting.  They won't change until part of the process does.

Instead, i'll put the next meeting date on my calendar and doodle on my notepad as I hear the same discussion echo in my head.

Shirt Envy

I bought 3 new shirts today.

I told one of my co-workers it was his fault.  Sitting across from me in staff meeting I looked at our Junior High Pastor and thought "I like that shirt."

This was apparently one of the most applicable thoughts I had during the meeting as I went to three different stores (2 on lunchbreak, 1 after work) looking at new shirts because of my shirt envy.

I found 3 (1 on lunchbreak, 2 after work) that caught my fancy enough to buy.

There was a fourth that I liked, but didn't know if it was worth it's non-sale price so I sent a picture of me trying it on to Jenny (smartphones rock) to get her opinion...as a result, I didn't end up getting that one.

Glad to get her opinion before she knew the price, because knowing the price she would definitely have said no.

Without Checks and Balances

There aren't many things I find more frightening that people who are put in positions of authority but have no checks and balances in place.

Unfortunately, I keep hearing stories of pastors who have managed to find themselves in that position.  Some I know sought it, but others I am guessing just let accountablilty fall to the back burner.  They weren't trying to put themselves in an unheatlhy lifestyle, but stumbled into it without notice, and then refused to change things.

I'd be a horrible leader if left to my own devices.  Temptations may not always win, but with only my own power to rely on, I'm sure I'd give in at some point.

I hope to always find myself and my leadership to be one which has plenty of people who can influence what goes on, and that I've never placed myself above the need of help.

Another Weekend Away

Tomorrow will be a long day as Thursday's generally are for me.

This one will be especially long though because when it is done I'll be making the drive up to a camp for our Men's Retreat.  I'll be teaching some of the time on Saturday (about family values passed on by the men in the Old Testament), which means I get to go for free.

I'll also get in 36 holes of golf and maybe some paintball or trap shooting.

Should be an enjoyable weekend away.

Season Finale

I tend to really look forward to season finale episodes of shows, but then don't know what to do  the week after when my "normal" t.v. watching routine is all shaken up.

Anyone have any advice for this difficult transition time of life?

One

One Day:

One round of golf.

One season of a television show.

One friend who will soon be moving back to the cities.

It was a good day.

Blessed

I have one of the most wonderful jobs in the world. Days like today remind me of that.

The call to teach and preach God's Word and a community that supports and pays me to make this my vocation has me feeling very blessed.

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High Hopes

We had a brainstorming meeting at work today for what we'll be doing as a whole church in the fall.  Something we'll ask all the different ministries to do for 7 weeks.

I was thrilled by a lot of the ideas that came up, and hope that we can get somewhere close to accomplishing the things we dreamed today.

My hopes are high. 

Clean Space

The whirlwind of Easter left my office in dissaray.  Generally I'm fine with some clutter, but even I was annoyed at my lack of organization. 

Cleaned the office today and things look far more simplified now.

Suppose that means tomorrow I need to do something produtive in the space waiting to be used.

Returning To Responsibility

Returning to Responsibility isn't nearly as fun as vacation.

I eased myself into it.  Golfed with a co-worker this morning, before an evening meeting had me working for 2 hours tonight.

First full day back in the office is tomorrow and I'm not looking forward to having that routine over the wake-up, eat, lay around, do whatever, eat some more routine I had all last week.

Oh well, it's not all bad.  One of my responsibilities this week is to preach the Sunday Services and I always look forward to that opportunity, so at least some of the week's work will be exciting.